Trump’s Authoritarian Gambit to Muzzle the Foreign Press By Alon Ben-Meir Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Trump’s Authoritarian Gambit to Muzzle the Foreign Press By Alon Ben-Meir https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/07/trumps-authoritarian-gambit-to-muzzle-the-foreign-press/ For nearly a century, foreign correspondents have come to the United States precisely because this country prided itself on welcoming scrutiny. Now, the Trump administration proposes to turn that legacy on its head—by transforming visas for international journalists into instruments of control NEW YORK, Jul 23 2026 (IPS) - Under a new rule proposed by the Department of Homeland Security, the duration of “I visas” for foreign media will be slashed from renewable multi year periods—often up to five years—to a maximum of 240 days, and just 90 days for Chinese journalists. Renewals would no longer be a routine administrative step tied to continued employment and compliance with the law, but a discretionary privilege the government can grant or withhold at will. Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -